Ask at almost any hotel front desk in Seoul where to change money, and there's a good chance you'll hear "WOWPASS". It's become the go-to money tool for short-term visitors — but it's also widely misunderstood, especially the transit part. Here's exactly what it does.
What WOWPASS is
WOWPASS is a prepaid card for foreign visitors, issued by self-service kiosks around Seoul. It does two jobs:
- Currency exchange + prepaid card. You insert foreign cash, the kiosk converts it to won at its posted rate, and loads it onto the card. You then pay with the card in shops, restaurants and cafés, like a debit card.
- Transit card. The card has a built-in T-money chip for the subway and buses.
The part everyone gets wrong: the transit balance
The exchanged money on the card and the T-money transit balance are two separate balances. Your exchanged won does not automatically pay for the subway.
To use WOWPASS on transit, top up the T-money part separately — typically in cash, at a convenience store counter or a subway station machine. Or skip that entirely and use a Climate Card for transit.
How to get one
- Find a kiosk — they're in Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon, many hotels and some subway stations, plus Incheon Airport
- Choose your language and scan your passport
- Insert your foreign cash (major currencies like USD, EUR, JPY, CNY and others are supported)
- The kiosk issues the card with your balance loaded. There's a small one-time card fee
The WOWPASS app lets you check your balance and transaction history, and — depending on your card — offers extra top-up options.
Where it works
- Most shops, cafés, restaurants and convenience stores that accept cards
- Transit, once you've topped up the T-money chip
- It's less useful at the few places that are cash-only — markets and some street stalls
Getting your money back
Whatever's left on the card at the end of your trip can be withdrawn as cash at a WOWPASS kiosk, minus a small fee. Do it before you go through airport security.
WOWPASS vs. just using your card
Foreign credit and debit cards work at the vast majority of places in Seoul — Korea is extremely card-friendly. So when is WOWPASS worth it?
| WOWPASS | Your home card | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | Kiosk rate, usually decent | Your bank's rate |
| Foreign transaction fees | None once loaded | Depends on your bank |
| Transit | Yes, after separate top-up | No (buy T-money) |
| Leftovers | Withdraw at a kiosk (fee) | Nothing to withdraw |
| Best for | Travelers with cash to change, or high-fee cards | Travelers with a no-fee travel card |
If you already have a no-foreign-fee card, you may not need WOWPASS at all. If you're arriving with a stack of cash, or your bank charges fees on every swipe, it's a great fit. Compare rates in our currency exchange guide.
Your first 30 minutes with WOWPASS
- At the airport: find a WOWPASS kiosk in arrivals and load a small amount of cash
- Download the app and register your card so you can see your balance
- Top up the transit side with a little cash at the airport convenience store if you'll use the subway today
- Pay for your first coffee with the card to check everything works
Fees to know about
WOWPASS is simple, but a few fees apply. Check the current amounts in the app or on the kiosk before you commit:
- A one-time card fee when you get the card
- The exchange rate spread — the kiosk's rate is usually competitive, but not the mid-market rate
- A withdrawal fee when you take out leftover money at the end
- Possible fees for some top-up methods in the app
For a short trip where you'll change a lot of cash, it's usually worth it. For a card-only traveler with a no-fee card, the fees may not be.
If you lose the card
Register the card in the app as soon as you get it, so you can check your balance and contact support. If it's lost or stolen, get in touch through the app straight away. Treat the transit balance like cash — it may not be recoverable.
Alternatives to WOWPASS
- Your own no-fee travel card plus a regular T-money card for transit
- Multi-currency cards like Wise or Revolut, loaded with won before you fly
- Cash from a money changer plus the Climate Card for unlimited transit
Pick one money plan and one transit plan, and you're done.
Our honest take
WOWPASS is useful, but it isn't essential for everyone. It shines for travelers who arrive with cash or whose bank charges fees on every foreign card payment.
Get it if:
- You're bringing a lot of cash to change
- Your bank card charges foreign transaction fees
- You'd like one card for shopping and (after a top-up) transit
Skip it if:
- You already have a no-fee travel card
- You're using the Climate Card for transit and your own card for everything else
- You're in Seoul for only a day or two
Our tip: if you do get one, load only what you'll spend in the first few days, register the card in the app, and top up the transit side separately. Then cash out before security on your last day, so nothing is left behind.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reload it during my trip?
Yes — at any WOWPASS kiosk, and with other options in the app depending on your card.
Is there a monthly fee?
No. Just the one-time card fee.
What if the kiosk won't read my passport?
Try another kiosk; worn passport pages occasionally cause issues. Or exchange at a bank or money changer instead.
Can I use it after I leave Korea?
No — cash out before you go. The card is designed for use in Korea only.
